excellent read, conn igulden is consistent as ever

I saw mixed reviews of this book but since I've loved everything else he's done I gave it a go. I wasn't disappointed.
the story is fascinating and visceral as is Igulden's style. it is a bit confusing for the first half hour as many different characters are introduced but you soon begin to remember who's who.
my advice is that if you like his previous work you'll like this.

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3 people found this helpful

Historical page turner presented by fine reader

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Conn Iggulden presents the background and the build-up to the Wars of the Roses with the young Henry VI, beset by illness facing opposition from France and England - but having the fortune to marry Margaret of Anjou. Iggulden makes the political machinations, the social unrest and the smell of 15th century England and France live - and he is brilliantly served by Roy McMillan, one of the UK's finest readers. I couldn't put Stormbird down. Without over-characterisation, McMillan differentiates clearly between all the principal players - nobles such as William de la Pole or his rival Richard of York, archers and solders and rebels, such as Jack Cade, and, crucially importantly, Margaret of Anjou. But that is to be expected from his big recordings for Naxos. His unabridged Don Quixote is one of the great recordings of the classics, his Bulldog Drummond is good fun - and he is clearly equally at home, here, in historical fiction, as here. And if you want something really off the wall read by McMillan, there is A Dog's Heart by Bulgakov. And that is not to mention his readings of pure history, including Jan Morris's unmatched history of the British Empire, Pax Britannica.

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An engaging account

What did you like most about Wars of the Roses: Stormbird?

a novel based on historical events is always a winner with me

What did you like best about this story?

Its factual elements. Derry Brewers charcter and the strenght and loyalty of Margaret. I liked how the stories of different people intertwined

What does Roy McMillan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Roy was able to create different voices to differenciate the characters and was consistant in this. I didntfind his voice annoying in the slightest and enjoyed listening to him. I hope to listen to more stories narrated by Roy McMillan in the future

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

i was keen to keep listening at every opportunemoment

Any additional comments?

I will ahve to red the next two books. Can you please release the third book audible- i cannot find it -thanks

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Absolutely captivating

What did you like most about Wars of the Roses: Stormbird?

Firstly, I must confess I love Conn Iggulden's writing, having read his novels about Genghis Khan. I'm not usually a fan of history, but he has a gift of bringing characters and events to life.And this is also what I love here - the characters feel so real, intimate details of human communication and emotions are sensitively incorporated into every interaction. Atmosphere and suspense are built and maintained beautifully. A fine line of humour is kept throughout. I listen to it in the car and often stay a few minutes until the end of the paragraph or chapter.

What other book might you compare Wars of the Roses: Stormbird to, and why?

Lords of the Bow, in particular, for the descriptive scenes, characterisation and flow.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Margaret and Yolande Anjou, eavesdropping on their father and the King. There's a lovely, sisterly interaction and at the same time, the conversation and diplomacy between the two men, which the listener is eavesdropping on, too.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story of Reuben Mosel. It made me angry and sad. The description of his internal turmoil was done very well, not too sentimental, handled sensitively by the author.

Any additional comments?

I now want to listen to the whole series. Get this book!

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Excellently read, fan story well researched

I really enjoyed this book, it was my first experience of Conn Igguldens writing and I will be reading/ listening to more. Great for anyone who has no historic knowledge of this period of history. Roy McMillan is a great reader. Thank you

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Highly recommended !

I have read this series twice, back to back, and am enjoying it yet again on audible!
Such a fascinating period in our history that Mr Iggulden brings alive with his matchless talents!

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Exciting and brutal

A really exciting and brutal story of different time! backstabbing, scheming and revenge. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Narration weak on women

What didn’t you like about Roy McMillan’s performance?

I enjoyed the story greatly except for the awful narration of female characters, especially Margaret. His tone for Margaret's voice was so poor ... making her seem simpering and breathy when she was clearly nothing of the sort....that at first I thought I would not be able to stomach the book at all. Only after downloading the actual book did I begin to enjoy it. For the rest of the series I shall stick to the book and forget the audio version completely.

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2 people found this helpful

Superb

Brilliant historical fiction! Well written and a great performance by the narrator. *Brewer is a clever creation.

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stormbird<br />

Loved it, great details, characters and writing. going to download the other 2 books. recommended

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